Elena Rybakina became the new world No. 1 after recovering from a set down to beat Qinwen Zheng 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the US Open quarterfinals on Wednesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The second seed's victory marks her first Flushing Meadows semifinal and locks in the top ranking even if Aryna Sabalenka wins the title.
The Kazakhstan player showed her characteristic composure after the match, maintaining her understated demeanor despite achieving the career milestone. Rybakina had already expressed her ambitions for the ranking before the tournament began.
"Of course I want it, I don't know anyone who wouldn't wish this, but definitely that's one of my goals," Rybakina said. "I try to approach the same way, try to do everything I can, fight until the end my next match and let's see what's going to happen."
The match showcased Rybakina's mental fortitude as she bounced back from losing the opening set to China's Zheng, who entered the tournament as a qualifier. After dropping the first set 6-3, Rybakina dominated the second set 6-1 before closing out the match with a 6-4 victory in the deciding set.
This breakthrough moment represents the culmination of Rybakina's steady rise in women's tennis. The victory not only advances her to her first US Open semifinal but also guarantees her ascension to the WTA's top ranking regardless of other results in the tournament.
Zheng's run as a qualifier came to an end, but her performance throughout the tournament demonstrated the depth of talent emerging in women's tennis. The Chinese player had navigated through qualifying rounds and multiple main draw matches before falling to the eventual world No. 1.
Rybakina's path to the top ranking reflects her consistent performance across the tennis calendar. Her ability to secure the No. 1 spot before the tournament's conclusion provides additional confidence as she prepares for her semifinal appearance at Flushing Meadows.
The timing of Rybakina's achievement adds significance to her US Open campaign. Reaching her first semifinal at the tournament while simultaneously claiming the world No. 1 ranking creates momentum for the remainder of her New York run and establishes her as the player to beat in women's tennis.
